Approved medicines for paediatric solid tumours in Europe: Lessons from the life cycle of a paediatric investigation plan

Background

Despite the positive changes brought by the Paediatric Regulation in the European Union (EU) in 2007, drug development in children remains challenging.

Methods

To better understand the issues encountered to reach an authorisation for paediatric patients, we reviewed the pathway of the 11 Paediatric Investigational Plans (PIPs) with indications targeting paediatric solid tumours granted by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) between 2007 and 2022.

Results

On average 5,5 years were necessary to reach approval after a PIP was agreed. All the PIPs underwent at least one modification (median 3 modifications per PIP). The use of single arm trials, in the context of refractory/relapsed disease in absence of standard of care treatment, was supportive for granting a paediatric indication in the majority of the cases. In 6 out of 11 approved products, extrapolation from adults was used. For 2/11 the approval focused on an older population first compared to the initial age group agreed in the PIP due to the development of a suitable formulation for younger children still ongoing at the time of first approval. Scientific advice sought on paediatric development use of extrapolation from adults, major objections raised by CHMP and post-marketing requirements were examined.

Conclusion

Analysing the process necessary to reach an authorisation for paediatric patients, we highlight the major challenges faced in the paediatric approval process and the positive examples of successful drug development that reached final approval. Our analysis is expected to provide useful insights to drug developers, investigators and regulators.